Navigating Your Way to a Good Raise
You've been
on the job long enough to prove your worth to the
team, but the annual raise that accompanies your
review hovers around the annual inflation rate. What
should you do when you feel you're worth more? Career
experts say that the art of negotiation is worth
learning before you knock on your supervisor's door.
Before putting forth a request, you should:
- List your contributions and accomplishments and
ascertain how they mesh with or advance the goals
of your department and the mission of your organization;
- Use salary surveys, recruiter assessments, or
other sources to determine what the market pays
professionals
with your experience and talents;
- Understand the
value of the diverse incentives your organization
uses to reward valued employees,
including
things like extra training, advanced-education
reimbursements, bonuses, and additional vacation
time; and
- Know the salary ranges for professionals
with your education and experience levels at
your organization.
Now
you're
ready
to
negotiate.
Remember
that
a
relaxed,
rational demeanor will help ensure that your supervisor
hears your request and takes it seriously. Be sure
to take any documentation with you that will bolster
your case, and be patient. Salary increases outside
the norm can take time to make their way through
corporate channels. You'll be rewarded for your hard
work if all the right ingredients are in place.
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